What is a Stress Echocardiogram?

How to Prepare for the Procedure

What to Expect during the Procedure

During this test, you will be walking on the treadmill. Every 3 minutes, the treadmill will have a slight increase in speed, and the hill will also increase.

You will be undressed from the waist up to allow for EKG patches and a blood pressure cuff to be applied, and for the echo of your heart to be done. Women are given a hospital gown.

The echo pictures are taken before, immediately after exercise, and about 5 minutes into the recovery part of the test. The pictures are placed next to each other so the Doctor can compare them, and note how your heart reacts under stress, or during exercise.

After the Procedure

The test results will be evaluated by a cardiologist, either during the test or later that same day. The results will be mailed to your primary care physician with a full report given by our Cardiology physician. If you have any questions or concerns, the stress testing staff will be more than happy to assist you!